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Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Ghana’s two most successful football clubs, have united in a call for improved security measures in the Ghana Premier League (GPL). Their urgent demand follows a series of violent incidents, most notably the tragic death of Nana Pooley, a devoted Kotoko supporter.
In response to these concerns, the two clubs have prepared a detailed position paper, which they will present to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Committee on Thursday, February 6, 2025. This document outlines concrete proposals aimed at ensuring the safety of fans, players, and officials at match venues.
Hearts of Oak’s Board and Management, alongside Kotoko’s Interim Management Committee (IMC), recently met in Accra to deliberate on the rising incidents of hooliganism in Ghanaian football. During this meeting, both clubs emphasized the need for:
- Stronger security protocols at match venues
- Greater collaboration between the GFA, law enforcement, and football stakeholders
- Tougher sanctions against perpetrators of football violence
The clubs condemned the ongoing trend of fan violence and stressed that Ghanaian football must prioritize safety if it hopes to maintain its credibility and attract more supporters.
The call for enhanced security measures was significantly influenced by the tragic death of Nana Pooley, a long-time Kotoko supporter. His passing has sent shockwaves through the football community, reigniting debates about the lack of adequate security in the league.
Following this heartbreaking incident, Asante Kotoko suspended all football activities indefinitely, stating that they would not return to competitive football until significant steps are taken to curb violence in the sport.
As the two clubs prepare to meet with the GFA Executive Committee, there is growing anticipation over whether the association will act swiftly on their recommendations. Hearts of Oak and Kotoko have made it clear that they are committed to pushing for reforms that will restore confidence in the Ghana Premier League.
